Fusarium solani species complex infection in elasmobranchs: A case report for rough-tail stingray with valid antifungal therapy

Abstract

Fusarium species are common plant and animal pathogens. For humans, there are two dominant species complexes, F. solani species complex (FSSC) and F. oxysporum species complex (FOSC), which both infect immunocompromised individuals. However, there are few reports related to elasmobranchs infected by Fusarium species. In this study, we report a case of a rough-tail stingray from an ocean park infected by FSSC diagnosed using histopathology and microscopic observation, with morphological characteristics and molecular techniques used to identify the pathogen. Histopathology showed fungal hyphae invading stingray tissues, while micro/macroconidia were found under the microscope. We identified this pathogen as FSSC 12 through phylogenetic analysis using internal transcribed spacer (ITS) and elongation factor 1-alpha (EF1-α) sequences. Furthermore, we report that application of voriconazole (orally) and terbinafine (topically) constituted an effective therapy, curing the stingray.

Fungal Diseases in Elasmobranchs and Their Possible Treatment with a Special Mention to Azole Antifungal Agents

“…To date, the effectiveness of antifungal therapies in elasmobranchs is unknown. Most of the documented cases of fungal infection have resulted in massive mortalities despite treatment, and just three cases have had a positive outcome reporting survival in the affected animals [ 6 , 27 , 31 ]. Based on the available data, it can be suggested that the treatment of fungal infections in elasmobranchs requires the following management to maximize recovery and the chances of survival:…”

“…Antibiotic drugs are useful for treating secondary infections. Fluoroquinolones are the most frequently used antimicrobial group in these cases [ 27 , 31 ].…”

“…makes it difficult to determine which dose is optimal. This lack of scientific information regarding the drug concentration achieved in plasma and other tissues justifies the review carried out in this article and highlights the need for pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic studies in this species [ 6 , 27 , 31 ].…”

Comparative genomic and transcriptomic analyses of trans-kingdom pathogen Fusarium solani species complex reveal degrees of compartmentalization

“…The genus, commonly identified as plant pathogens, has caused devastating losses in the global agricultural industry [3] and is recognised as one of the most prevalent clinical pathogens causing superficial and invasive disease in immunocompromised humans [4,5]. In recent decades, an increasing number of fusariosis cases associated with various types of animals have been reported worldwide [6][7][8][9][10], but research on the virulence of pathogens causing fusariosis beyond plant hosts remains limited [11,12]. The disease is now considered to be a serious emerging fungal threat potentially inducing host population loss and extinction [2,13].…”

Fusarium solanispecies complex genomes reveal bases of compartmentalisation and animal pathogenesis

“…The genus, commonly identified as plant pathogens, has caused devastating losses in the global agricultural industry (Dean et al, 2012) and is recognized as one of the most prevalent clinical pathogens causing superficial and invasive disease in immunocompromised humans (Al-Hatmi et al, 2016; Walther et al, 2017). In recent decades, an increasing number of fusariosis cases associated with various types of animals have been reported worldwide (Brown et al, 2020; Cabañes et al, 1997; Fernando et al, 2015; Hsu et al, 2021; Kano et al, 2002), but research on its virulence beyond plant hosts remains limited (Coleman, 2016; Rep & Kistler, 2010). It is now considered as a serious emerging fungal threat potentially inducing host population loss and extinction (Fisher et al, 2012; O’Donnell et al, 2016).…”